In 1975 and for many years afterward, I wanted nothing more than to look and sing like Bobbie Gentry, and emulate Carl Kolchak, the mildly insane journalist, who investigated supernatural crimes while wearing a goofy smile and a slanted straw hat.
Today, I continue to play my favorite Gentry album Ode to Billy Joe while the guitar sitting in the corner of my studio listens along. And I strive to pile my hair higher than is normal.
As for becoming a boots-on-the-ground monster-chasing reporter, I daily arm myself with art supplies to track down creatures, and I type prose on a typewriter keyboard. The wide-brimmed straw hat resting on a pile of books in my studio sees action when the sun is out.
Maybe, I did become who I wanted to be all along. Maybe…
Pencil sketch of Bobbie Gentry done about two months ago. I continue to use a giant Ticonderoga pencil. I’m not allowing myself to get into details using sharpened points and varieties of leads in the hopes of focusing on shape and form.
I’ve not done much writing these last few months. I’ve been madly creating monster collage mini-paintings like Shunka Warakin (below) for the upcoming UFO Fair in Pine Bush, NY. Such fun:)
I hope you are all doing well.
am:)
anntogether 
I love your drawing, Ann! And that song, I have it in my long list of songs, her voice is amazing while singing this sad song. Have a great weekend. ❤️😊
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HI there John and thank you. Ah, yes, to be Bobbie:) I often daydreamed I was sitting on that fence, strumming that guitar and singing in that satin-powerful woman-rasp voice. And always, with the hair piles high:)
Happy Sunday to you.
am:)
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Happy holiday to you! ❤️
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To you as well, John:)
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Love the art, Miss! BG—ah, her voice, coolness … and your drawing of her is amazing. And your creatures, fabulous. Keep on keeping on, my artist-writer friend! DS
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Thank you for your words here – DS:)
Oh, to be Bobbie with that voice, that voice…and all her many other ‘thats’:)
One week till the spaceships descend! Painting away I am – the creatures, cryptids and monsters are enjoying themselves;)
am:)
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annmarie how u been im dealing with mean old grannies at my apartment stalking me and insulted my family and being critical of me they send me emails i dont respond to and dont get the hint they have no lives i have to stay in my apartment to avoid them saying nasty things to me
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ah, dan – you’ve been through more difficult times than these – and you’ve managed each with dignity, compassion, and creativity – keep your heart open and your ears busied with your written words
i’m so sorry that someone as kind and gentle as you must deal with these unfortunate souls – there are many unhappy people out in the world – and it takes the strong, bright ones to tip the scales
you hang in there my friend
deep breaths, keep writing
be well
am:)
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I know you’re workin’ hard, Miss! 😉
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Yup, yup, following your lead lady!
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